Madison, MN vs Stephen, MN

Madison, MN and Stephen, MN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.8% difference in their overall index. Madison scores 70 while Stephen scores 67 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Madison is $920/month compared to $871/month in Stephen — a 6% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Stephen is more affordable at $83,800 median vs $104,600.

Median household income in Madison is $56,435 compared to $63,750 in Stephen (-11.5%). Stephen offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Madison spend roughly 19.6% of their income on rent, more than the 16.4% in Stephen.

Climate-wise, Madison is notably warmer with an average of 43°F compared to 39.8°F in Stephen. Madison receives more rainfall at 22.7" per year compared to 21.7" in Stephen.